Crowds keep home show busy

Businesses show latest improvements

February 3, 2014

PARKERSBURG - There is always something new available for people looking to do home improvements, according to the organizer of the Great American Home Show which was held in Parkersburg over the weekend.

The home show, which was held at the former Big Bear building in the Park Shopping Center, saw good crowds Friday through Sunday as people were getting out to see the latest trends in home improvement, getting ideas for things they can do and making contact with local companies who can do the work.

"The show has been going good," said John Farnsworth, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of the Mid-Ohio Valley, which organizes the annual show. "Attendance is down a little bit from last year, but we have had decent attendance.

Article Photos

Photo by Brett DunlapBobby Strong, left, of Mountaineer Mechanical Co., discusses equipment options with Charles and Donna Owens, of Mineral Wells, during the Great American Home Show’s final afternoon on Sunday in Parkersburg.

Photo by Brett DunlapDavid Eaton, left, of Coolville, looks at tools at the Milwaukee Electric Tools booth during the Great American Home Show on Sunday while Aaron Formanek, territory representative for the company, shows him the different types available.

"Every vendor I have talked with, they are happy with what they have received. That makes me happy. The vendors are the backbone of this show."

The Great American Home Show has been an annual event in the area for many years and remains popular with local residents.

"People are looking at everything," Farnsworth said. ''There are a lot of new products out there.

"I have been doing this show for a number of years. I go around and look at what everyone has and it is changing every year."

Charles Owens, of Mineral Wells, came to the show, with his wife Donna, on Sunday to see what was out there.

"We come every year to get ideas and see what is new in the home industry," Owens said. "We are just seeing what is available in case we want to do some projects at the house."

David Sayger, of Marietta, was at the show Sunday, with his wife Theresa, looking at what was available to do some remodeling to his home as well as make some possible contacts for the work.

"We are looking to remodel our kitchen and dining room," he said. "We are here to see what is available, what products, the price range, who can do it and who can't.

"We want to talk to some people who are smarter about this stuff than I am."

Eddie Place, owner of Mountaineer Mechanical Co. of Athens, Ohio, said he had seen a lot of people throughout the weekend.

"The crowds have been great," he said.

Many people had been asking about generators, as well as plumbing and heating/cooling needs, Place said. With recent weather concerns and power outages over the last year or so, more people are looking at generators for their homes.

"Last year, we had 10-15 people looking at generators during the weekend (show)," Place said. "This year, we have had over 200 people looking at generators and we have already set up appointments for some of them.

"That is pretty serious."

Over 100 booths have been occupied with a number of vendors taking up multiple spots. Mountaineer Mechanical Co. took up two spots. Place said the company was pleased with the amount of contacts it made at the show and the business it helped generate.

"This is a great show," he said. "This has been the best home show we have ever been at."